Flu vaccinations at hospital Nov. 25

Tuesday

Nov 15, 2011 at 2:00 AM

Nantucket Cottage Hospital, in conjunction with the Nantucket Health Department, will offer the influenza vaccine at a reduced fee for persons age 3 and up on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Founders Building at the rear of the hospital parking lot, 57 Prospect St.

The cost of the vaccination is $15, payable by cash or check only, which is the hospitalís cost of acquiring and administering the vaccine. Qualified medical-staff volunteers from hospital and the community will help administer the shots.

Participants will be asked to complete a basic information questionnaire to assure their ability to receive the flu vaccine that morning. The hospital has available only flu vaccines for children from the age of 3 and up through adults. For infants and those who anticipate medical restrictions on their ability to receive the vaccine, parents and patients should contact their primary-care physician to be properly and safely inoculated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent seasonal influenza infection, which can occur year-round but is especially prevalent during colder months, when more people are in closer proximity to each other indoors. Influenza viruses are spread primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person.

Over the years, according to the CDC, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. Adverse reactions to the vaccine are rare. The most common side effects found from the 2010-2011 flu vaccines were soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the flu shot was given and nasal congestion after the flu vaccine nasal spray.

No appointments will be taken for this flu clinic. The vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. For more on flu prevention measures, click here.

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